The Row Leather and Suede Doctor Bag, $4750 via Net-a-Porter
Ambition is a laudable characteristic in American culture, but when it crosses over into hubris, people’s reactions start to change from positive to negative. Although the buying public might approve of a young designer trying new things that necessitate a somewhat steep price tag, the attitude changes when the young designers in question are filthy rich former child stars and the prices are reminiscent of Hermes and other venerable, historical houses that have earned their reputations and price tags over the span of generations.
That, of course, is the story behind bags like The Row Leather and Suede Doctor Bag. With a price tag of nearly five grand and no exotic leather in sight, the line has generated as much negative chatter as positive among handbag lovers. When you put the price out of your mind, though, this bag is actually a downright lovely accessory.
The word I have from those who are familiar with the Olsen Twins’ operation at The Row is that the brand honestly does put a great deal of effort into using the finest materials and manufacturing processes, which is more than I can say for some of the mass-produced stuff on which plenty of us routinely spend thousands of dollars. On top of that, of all celebrities with clothing lines, the Olsens have definitely shown more fashion credibility and historical knowledge with Th Row than anyone else.
And they (or more accurately, their immensely skilled staff) are doing good work. I can think of plenty of established brands whose current accessories team would never attempt to pull off anything this chic or well-edited. The problem, of course, is that you can’t divorce a handbag from its price, and even for a bag I like as much as this one, I’m not sure I can abide the price tag that The Row has bestowed upon it. Buy through Net-a-Porter for $4750.
